18/02/2016 – Mediterranean – Seven-Fold Increase in Migrant Crossings

A record 89,262 migrants have crossed into Europe via the Mediterranean during the first seven weeks of 2016, according to figures collected by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The vast majority – 93 percent – have landed on Greek soil.

As a mere 12,821 people crossed the sea into Europe during the first two months of 2015 (itself an increase on 2014 figures), the number represents a seven fold increase on last year.